# Network Analysis of Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety and Autism: Discrete but Connected

## TL;DR

This study explores the relationship between autism and anxiety symptoms using network analysis, finding they are mostly separate but have some connections.

## Contribution

The study improves on prior work by analyzing ASD and GAD symptoms with network analysis to better understand their relationship.

## Key findings

- GAD and ASD symptoms are generally distinct but have some overlapping connections.
- The findings suggest a nuanced model for understanding the link between ASD and anxiety.
- These results could inform more targeted treatments for anxiety in individuals with ASD.

## Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is comorbid with several major psychiatric disorders, primarily anxiety. Although a previous report of a network analysis of five anxiety subtypes and some ASD diagnostic criteria suggested that anxiety was not part of the ASD symptomatology, several methodological limitations challenge the conclusions reported there. To address those limitations and extend understanding of the association between ASD and anxiety, data on ASD symptomatology and the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) were collected from 150 autistic boys and their parents and were analysed via network analysis. Results indicated that, although the separation of GAD and ASD symptoms was generally confirmed, several connections were found between the two sets of symptoms, arguing for a more nuanced model of the association between these two disorders. These findings hold implications for the delivery of ‘precision‐medicine’ treatment models for the treatment of anxiety in ASD.

Network connections between nodes are drawn as lines where blue lines represent positive correlations and red lines represent negative correlations. The darker and thicker the line, the stronger the connection.